The Mehta Boys movie review: Amid duds served by Bollywood, Boman Irani-Avinash Tiwary film is well worth your time
The Mehta Boys movie review: The theme of the film has a familiar predictive tilt, but what lifts the film are the little spurts of unpredictability built into the script of Boman Irani’s directorial debut.
Feb 8, 2025, 10:28 IST
The spiky relationship between a father-and-son, which shapes the narrative in ‘The Mehta Boys’, leads us to predict a resolution in which things will get better. The theme has that familiar predictive tilt built into it, but what lifts ‘The Mehta Boys’ are the little spurts of unpredictability built into the script of Boman Irani’s directorial debut.
That, and the performances, which are all pitch perfect.You know that Boman Irani will inhabit Shiv Mehta without a degree of separation, the actor’s suavity giving way to his elderly character’s slightly-bent-shoulders, mostly-lost-after-the-death-of-his-wife situation. No surprise there, because Irani’s irascible, eccentric Parsi gent is an amalgam of the many Shivs he, and we, may have encountered: this is his territory, and he revels in it.
The Mehta Boys is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language drama film that marks the directorial debut of Boman Irani. Co-written by Irani and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, the film features Boman Irani himself alongside Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup in pivotal roles. Released on February 7, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video, the movie delves into the intricate dynamics of a father-son relationship.
Plot Overview:
The narrative centers on a father and son who, despite their differences, are compelled to spend 48 hours together. This forced proximity leads them on a tumultuous yet transformative journey, unraveling emotional complexities, misunderstandings, and the deep-seated bonds that tie them together. The film offers a poignant exploration of generational gaps, contrasting perspectives, and evolving notions of masculinity, all while challenging traditional views of being 'the man of the house' in contemporary society.
Critical Reception:
Upon its release, The Mehta Boys garnered widespread critical acclaim for its authentic storytelling and compelling performances:
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, stating, "The theme of the film has a familiar predictive tilt, but what lifts the film are the little spurts of unpredictability built into the script of Boman Irani’s directorial debut."
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, noting, "The heart-warming drama is enlivened by the wonderful central performances from Boman Irani and Avinash Tiwary, perfectly complemented by Shreya Chaudhry."
Abhimanyu Mathur of Hindustan Times praised the film, saying, "Boman Irani's directorial debut is a splendid film anchored by his performance as well as a class act from Avinash Tiwary."
Abhishek Srivastava of The Times of India gave it 4 out of 5 stars, commenting, "‘The Mehta Boys’ is a finely crafted drama that feels deeply personal, as if drawn from real-life experiences within one’s own home or neighborhood."
Anuj Kumar of The Hindu observed, "Redolent with mood and motifs, Avinash Tiwary shines in this tender tale of grief and gratitude told with wit and vigor."
Sana Farzeen of India Today rated it 3 out of 5 stars, stating, "The Mehta Boys explores a complex father-son bond with realism and subtlety. Boman Irani impresses as both director and actor, while Avinash Tiwary shines. Though the resolution feels conventional, the film's authenticity makes it a refreshing watch."
Accolades:
Prior to its digital release, The Mehta Boys made a notable impact on the international film festival circuit:
Chicago South Asian Film Festival (September 2024): The film had its world premiere and was honored with the Best Feature Film award, receiving a standing ovation for its heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics.
International Film Festival of South Asia in Toronto (October 2024): Boman Irani was awarded Best Actor for his powerful performance in the film.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa (November 2024): The film's Asia premiere was met with acclaim, further solidifying its reputation as a compelling narrative on familial relationships.
Conclusion:
In a cinematic landscape often criticized for formulaic storytelling, The Mehta Boys stands out as a refreshing and authentic exploration of familial bonds. Boman Irani's directorial debut not only showcases his versatility as a filmmaker but also offers audiences a deeply moving narrative brought to life by stellar performances. For viewers seeking a heartfelt drama that resonates with genuine emotion, The Mehta Boys is indeed well worth your time.